Comelec gives in: Voter registration to be extended until October 31
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 1:58 p.m.) — Giving in to pressure from Congress, the Commission on Elections will be extending voter registration by a month until October 31.
Rep. Francisco Matugas (Surigao del Norte), speaking on behalf of the Comelec, confirmed this during the House of Representatives' deliberation on the proposed 2022 budget of the poll body.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez earlier said that it is "likely" that the en banc wil extend registration beyond the September 30 deadline.
"After consultation with Comelec officials, and in consideration of the public clamor, it is likely that an extension of the period of voter registration will be granted," Jimenez said.
The poll body previously offered an extension of just one week after the filing of candidacies from October 1 to 8, but this was rejected by lawmakers who want a one-month extension.
Comelec officials have warned that extending the period of voter registration beyond what they are offering would delay preparations for the 2022 elections.
But lawmakers have not acceoted this explanation, with both chambers of Congress passing a measure seeking to extend the period of voter registration by a month.
Some Filipinos looking to register as voters have resorted to camping out at registration sites to ensure that they get one of the limited registration slots. — Xave Gregorio with a report from News5/Maricel Halili
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